David
Shearer
Labour Leader
Clayton
Cosgrove
State Owned Assets Spokesperson

27 February 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

National Must Listen To The People On Asset Sales

The Supreme Court ruling today changes nothing. Yesterday 80% of New Zealanders were against asset sales and today 80% of New Zealanders are against asset sales, say Labour Leader David Shearer and SOEs spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove.

“National’s plan to flog off our assets is a complete train-wreck. That hasn’t changed. It’s time for the Government to listen to Kiwis.

“Regardless of the Supreme Court decision, there is still a great deal of uncertainty around this plan. Compensation may have to be paid to iwi, the concern around Tiwai Point hangs over the electricity sector, Solid Energy has collapsed, electricity demand is predicted to remain flat so selling our energy companies at the bottom of the market is just foolish,” said David Shearer.

“No time is a good time for asset sales. But to sell our assets at rock bottom prices is simply reckless. And who will be the loser in the end? The Kiwi taxpayer. For a man who calls himself a business guru, John Key has got this badly wrong,” said Clayton Cosgrove.

“More than 370,000 New Zealanders have signed a petition to hold a referendum on asset sales. The Government should delay its sales plan until New Zealanders can have their say,” said Clayton Cosgrove.

ENDS

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